New research proves immense benefits of woodlands

A report published by Forest Research has shown that visits to the UK’s woodlands boosts mental health and is estimated to save £185 million in treatment costs annually.

The report, published during ‘National Tree Week’ and funded by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Welsh Government, is the first time the health and well-being benefits of the UK’s woodlands have been quantified.

For England specifically, woodlands save £141 million costs associated with mental health illnesses, including visits to GPs, drug prescriptions, inpatient care, social services and the number of days lost due to mental health issues.

Access to trees, woods, forests, and other natural environments including urban parks and green spaces has become even more important for individuals to support and maintain their well-being during the pandemic. Of visits to all greenspace over the past 10 years, from farmland and countryside to parks and playing fields), 14.1 per cent of these were made to woodlands.

The report also finds that longer term, the value over the next 100 years is estimated to be just over £11 billion for the mental health benefits of visits to woodlands, and a further £1 billion for the mental health benefits of street trees.

Sir William Worsley, Forestry Commission chair, said: “This report demonstrates just how vital it is to invest in healthy trees and woodlands. It makes medical sense, because it will mean better health for all; economic sense, by saving society millions of pounds and it makes environmental sense, helping us to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. This National Tree Week, let’s all step outside, enjoy trees in town and countryside and reap the benefits of being close to nature.”

Stephen Buckley, head of Information for mental health charity Mind, said: “Spending time outdoors – especially in woodlands or near water - can help with mental health problems such as anxiety and mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature. Being outside in natural light can also be helpful if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people during particular seasons or times of year. Although many of us feel like hibernating in winter, getting outside in green spaces and making the most of the little daylight we get can really benefit both your physical and mental health.”